Florida bicycle news and comment, with a special eye toward
making streets and paths more congenial to riders.

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Bikes in mind as state plans U.S. 1 repaving

Wide curb lanes to accommodate bicyclists are included in state plans for the repaving of U.S. 1 (S. Dixie Highway) between SW 168th Street and SW 102nd Street. It doesn't strike me as a good idea because of the speeds I see on that stretch along the west side of Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay. These new lanes would be just a few yards away from the bike route I like to use -- the South Dade Trail, which runs along the Busway.

The plans are being aired Thursday night at St. Louis Catholic Church, 7270 SW 120th St., Pinecrest. The meeting runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Florida Department of Transportation will have engineers present to explain details, answer questions, and hear public comment.

In-town auto speeds should be reduced. To put at-grade highways through business districts (even if they are strip districts) with speed limits of 45MPH was/is a dumb idea. Something they started doing in the '60's.

Wide outside lanes without mandatory bike lanes work fine even at 45MPH. I know because I use one.